Pylephlebitis: A Diagnostic Challenge

Ana Machado, Sofia Ribeiro, Teresa Mendonca

Abstract

Pylephlebitis is a life-threatening condition commonly associated with diverticulitis in adults. The diagnosis is often missed because of its non-specific clinical presentation. We present the case of a 74-year-old woman that was admitted with abdominal pain and fever. Computerized tomography revealed thrombosis of the portal vein system and diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon. The patient was treated with antibiotics and anticoagulation. No thrombophilic risk factors were diagnosed.